Sport is defined as an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or other for entertainment. Last weekend, students at Penn State University (PSU) added another wrinkle to the definition. In addition to entertainment (where there was plenty) they danced for the benefit of others. Over 700 dancers participated in the university's annual dance marathon, known as THON, to raise money for the Four Diamonds Fund. This organization funds research and helps families with expenses incurred during pediatric cancer treatment. Over 300 student organizations, 3,300 coordinators and 15,000 student volunteers came together to raise an incredible $7.5 million.
I liken THON weekend to Jerry Lewis' Labor Day weekend for Muscular Dystrophy. Though I wasn't there, my son detailed the event-the energy, entertainment and absolute desire to succeed. The dancers were required to dance for 46 hours, not only to raise the money, but to do something bigger than themselves. My son called us as he was leaving the event excited, tired but proud of his participation. He didn't dance, but he supported those who did. He was touched and impressed with a young man named Tucker Haas. He was diagnosed with cancer at 2 and has been in remission for three years. Follow this link to watch Tucker wow the crowd.
As we've talked about in this blog many times, linking actions to your purpose or something bigger than yourself will always create a better effort, sustain energy and focus, and bring greater satisfaction. What is your organization doing to create a sense of purpose? Without purpose, we tend to go through the motions. Almost everyone is looking for a link to a greater vision or mission.
I'm very pleased that the kids involved at Penn State understand there is more to life than school and socials. THON will be a life lesson to all, that their dancing had purpose.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
February 22, 1980
Where were you 30 years ago today? I was a junior at Miami University and had recently been elected Commander (President) of my fraternity, Sigma Nu. We had a small controversy brewing. It was our first social with a sorority since the new officers took over and as the US Hockey team kept winning, it was clear they were going to play the Soviet Union during the social. It all worked out and the win helped all of us celebrate (like we needed a reason).
Many of you weren't born 30 years ago. It seems like yesterday. If you didn't live through that time, it's hard to describe. The US was getting beat up everywhere. We couldn't rescue our hostages in Iran, inflation was in the teens, the economy looked like 2008, and we had lost the respect of the world. There were no cell phones, e-mail, I-Pods or Twitter. Hard to believe, there was no ESPN either. For those of you who don't remember, the Soviet Union and the entire communist block played with professional teams in the Olympics. The Americans (and others) were amateurs, consisting of mostly college players. To make matters worse, a few days before the Olympics began in Lake Placid, NY, the Soviet Union pasted the US 10-3 in an exhibition.
What happened in Lake Placid was a miracle. It was a shot of adrenaline to an otherwise downbeat nation. Every few years we have this swelling of national pride. This was one of those times. Two days later, the team would win the gold medal against Sweden. On February 22nd, it didn't matter. They had come face to face with the enemy and won!
This weekend, there have been several documentaries celebrating the 30th anniversary. As I look at the names on their jerseys, very few were superstars. This was truly a team effort spearheaded by one of the great coaches in our lifetime, Herb Brooks. For six months, he molded them into a team, pushing them beyond their physical limits. By all accounts, they were the best conditioned team in the Olympics. He was a master of motivation. The combination of the men on the team and Herb Brooks and his coaches was a unique recipe for success.
Mark Eruzione, the captain of the team, made a comment that said that the team needed Herb Brooks, but Herb needed the individuals of the team. He also said they genuinely liked each other and never want to let each other down. It's a good concept to remember. How good could your organization be if they felt the same way as the 1980 US Hockey team? It's worth giving it a try.
It was a wonderful trip down memory lane and yes, I believe in miracles!
Many of you weren't born 30 years ago. It seems like yesterday. If you didn't live through that time, it's hard to describe. The US was getting beat up everywhere. We couldn't rescue our hostages in Iran, inflation was in the teens, the economy looked like 2008, and we had lost the respect of the world. There were no cell phones, e-mail, I-Pods or Twitter. Hard to believe, there was no ESPN either. For those of you who don't remember, the Soviet Union and the entire communist block played with professional teams in the Olympics. The Americans (and others) were amateurs, consisting of mostly college players. To make matters worse, a few days before the Olympics began in Lake Placid, NY, the Soviet Union pasted the US 10-3 in an exhibition.
What happened in Lake Placid was a miracle. It was a shot of adrenaline to an otherwise downbeat nation. Every few years we have this swelling of national pride. This was one of those times. Two days later, the team would win the gold medal against Sweden. On February 22nd, it didn't matter. They had come face to face with the enemy and won!
This weekend, there have been several documentaries celebrating the 30th anniversary. As I look at the names on their jerseys, very few were superstars. This was truly a team effort spearheaded by one of the great coaches in our lifetime, Herb Brooks. For six months, he molded them into a team, pushing them beyond their physical limits. By all accounts, they were the best conditioned team in the Olympics. He was a master of motivation. The combination of the men on the team and Herb Brooks and his coaches was a unique recipe for success.
Mark Eruzione, the captain of the team, made a comment that said that the team needed Herb Brooks, but Herb needed the individuals of the team. He also said they genuinely liked each other and never want to let each other down. It's a good concept to remember. How good could your organization be if they felt the same way as the 1980 US Hockey team? It's worth giving it a try.
It was a wonderful trip down memory lane and yes, I believe in miracles!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Solitary Man
I can't say that I'm riveted to the television watching the Olympics. It has been a nice diversion to a horrible winter (weather wise). I did not see the men's figure skating (one can only take so much) but I did see the celebration as American skater, Evan Lysacek, won a gold medal. I started to think about all the time he has spent on the ice training and visualizing this moment. He will be 25 in June and won his first competition at 10. He had dedicated his life in pursuit of Olympic gold. He showed his grit in Torino finishing fourth after a horrible short program due to illness. He took IV's and rose from 10th to 4th. His hard work and dedication paid off. Barring injury, he should be set for life touring with the various ice shows and perhaps commentating in the future.
Lysacek is not the only Olympian that trains in virtual solitude and fixes their life on Olympic gold. He's one of many, not to mention the thousands (millions?) who train all their life and fall short. What's the difference in with those who medal and those don't achieve their goal? There is certainly physical ability, but that only goes so far. It is a positive attitude. We all know people in our lives, hopefully ourselves, that set goals and create a positive behavioral change through a positive attitude. A positive attitude gets us out of bed in the morning; it forces us to look for the good in people and situations; it keeps us focused; and it allows us to ask, why not me?
There are millions of people who have positive attitudes and create a better life for themselves. There are just as many (seemingly more) whose attitudes are sour and become victims of their circumstance. Where do you fall? You may never be an Olympian, but you can act like one. Take a look at your attitude and make it positive.
Lysacek is not the only Olympian that trains in virtual solitude and fixes their life on Olympic gold. He's one of many, not to mention the thousands (millions?) who train all their life and fall short. What's the difference in with those who medal and those don't achieve their goal? There is certainly physical ability, but that only goes so far. It is a positive attitude. We all know people in our lives, hopefully ourselves, that set goals and create a positive behavioral change through a positive attitude. A positive attitude gets us out of bed in the morning; it forces us to look for the good in people and situations; it keeps us focused; and it allows us to ask, why not me?
There are millions of people who have positive attitudes and create a better life for themselves. There are just as many (seemingly more) whose attitudes are sour and become victims of their circumstance. Where do you fall? You may never be an Olympian, but you can act like one. Take a look at your attitude and make it positive.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Playing with Purpose
I am surprised and appreciative of all the comments I received on my last blog. I asked the question on Linked in who would give up millions to pursue their dream and happiness as Grant Desme seems to have done. I am impressed with the testimonials of those who have left lucrative financial careers to start their own businesses, work for non-profits, or start your own non-profit.
It turns out this is the perfect lead in to this week's blog. We all know about Hurricane Katrina and the devastation in New Orleans and much of the gulf coast that still exists today. It came through New Orleans in August, 2005 and made the convention center and Super Dome shelters of the last resort. Over 1,800 died, most from Louisiana, and the economic loss was nearly $90 billion. Through the umpteen hours of Super Bowl coverage, we know that the Saints renaissance began in 2006 with the arrival of head coach Sean Payton, quarterback Drew Brees and running back Reggie Bush. In one of the most memorable Monday night football games I have ever seen, the Saints come back to the Super Dome September 25, 2006 and win big against the Falcons.
The question is - why do the Saints matter and how does it relate to giving up millions to follow your dream? It's my belief that many of the Saints played the Super Bowl for the city of New Orleans rather than themselves. Perhaps I'm naive, but there is no doubt in my mind that Drew Brees will remain in New Orleans the remainder of his career. He has been extremely active in the New Orleans community along with his wife Brittany. They have become part of the fabric of their community. He, along with many of his teammates, felt they could finally lift their city out of the shadow of Katrina with a Super Bowl win. I believe they have.
How does this relate to your organization? Perhaps it doesn't. If that's the case, go back to your organization's mission and determine whether it's meaningful. It tells me that there is no mission link and your teams are there for the paycheck and personal gain. This may work in the short run, but your best and brightest will leave for a better paycheck and the promise of further personal gain. Everyone needs a purpose to exist. Those who don't become victims. As we enjoy President's Day, think about your purpose, your organization's mission, and how you can link these for organization. Think of the commitment you'll achieve at all levels.
It turns out this is the perfect lead in to this week's blog. We all know about Hurricane Katrina and the devastation in New Orleans and much of the gulf coast that still exists today. It came through New Orleans in August, 2005 and made the convention center and Super Dome shelters of the last resort. Over 1,800 died, most from Louisiana, and the economic loss was nearly $90 billion. Through the umpteen hours of Super Bowl coverage, we know that the Saints renaissance began in 2006 with the arrival of head coach Sean Payton, quarterback Drew Brees and running back Reggie Bush. In one of the most memorable Monday night football games I have ever seen, the Saints come back to the Super Dome September 25, 2006 and win big against the Falcons.
The question is - why do the Saints matter and how does it relate to giving up millions to follow your dream? It's my belief that many of the Saints played the Super Bowl for the city of New Orleans rather than themselves. Perhaps I'm naive, but there is no doubt in my mind that Drew Brees will remain in New Orleans the remainder of his career. He has been extremely active in the New Orleans community along with his wife Brittany. They have become part of the fabric of their community. He, along with many of his teammates, felt they could finally lift their city out of the shadow of Katrina with a Super Bowl win. I believe they have.
How does this relate to your organization? Perhaps it doesn't. If that's the case, go back to your organization's mission and determine whether it's meaningful. It tells me that there is no mission link and your teams are there for the paycheck and personal gain. This may work in the short run, but your best and brightest will leave for a better paycheck and the promise of further personal gain. Everyone needs a purpose to exist. Those who don't become victims. As we enjoy President's Day, think about your purpose, your organization's mission, and how you can link these for organization. Think of the commitment you'll achieve at all levels.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
The Pursuit of Happiness
Last weekend, a story hit the wires that made news in baseball circles but did not get much play beyond us baseball freaks. A young man of 23 years named Grant Desme decided to leave baseball and begin the process of becoming a Priest. Last year, he played A ball at both Kane County and Stockton. Both are Oakland A's minor league teams. He batted .288 with 31 home runs, 89 runs batted in (rbis) and 40 steals. He was the only player at any level in the minors to have 30 home runs and at least 30 steals. In his fall league, he hit .315 with 11 home runs and 27 rbis in 27 games. This young man has talent and was expected to rise to AA or AAA ball in the spring. He was quoted in the San Francisco Chronicle as saying "I'm doing well in baseball. But I had to get down to the bottom of things, to what was good in my life, what I wanted to do with my life. Baseball is a good thing, but that felt selfish of me when I felt that God was calling me more. It took a while to trust that and open up to it and aim full steam toward Him...I love the game, but going to aspire to higher things."
How many of us hear the call to do something different but ignore it? Many of us have but not acted on it and find ourselves going through the motions. There are many factors one has to consider when determining your life's work. Money is certainly one of them. You have to admire this young man's maturity and decision. He is pursuing his call and willing to give up the potential of millions of dollars and a different kind of glory. How many of us would put our faith in God and forgo all that he has? It would be very difficult.
He has entered a Catholic Seminary in Orange, CA and will begin to discern whether the Priesthood is for him. Selfishly, I hope it is, but only God knows that answer. The fact that he is willing to put his trust in God is a good first step. For the rest of us, be open to your purpose and determine the right path for you. We don't get many chances to pursue happiness in our lives, so be open to it when you can.
How many of us hear the call to do something different but ignore it? Many of us have but not acted on it and find ourselves going through the motions. There are many factors one has to consider when determining your life's work. Money is certainly one of them. You have to admire this young man's maturity and decision. He is pursuing his call and willing to give up the potential of millions of dollars and a different kind of glory. How many of us would put our faith in God and forgo all that he has? It would be very difficult.
He has entered a Catholic Seminary in Orange, CA and will begin to discern whether the Priesthood is for him. Selfishly, I hope it is, but only God knows that answer. The fact that he is willing to put his trust in God is a good first step. For the rest of us, be open to your purpose and determine the right path for you. We don't get many chances to pursue happiness in our lives, so be open to it when you can.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Lead by Example
In the summer of 2007, I decided to write a book based on people in my life that have influenced me in a positive way. I went through the process of interviewing twelve individuals or couples but have never taken the next step. I've felt bad that I took their time and didn't follow up.
Today, my goals don't include writing a book. Perhaps one day I'll catch up to my wife Joan, who's written three. To honor those who took the time to sit with me two years ago, I will feature one person/couple a month in this blog. Though it's not a sports example, the profiles provide leadership examples. Specifically, each represents some formation of one of my core values-not just as a younger man, but throughout my life. Each of these folks has lived a wonderful life with many life lessons. Today, we start with the first couple I interviewed, Dutchie and Larry Brandon who have helped form and strengthen my core value of courage and have led by example throughout their lives.
Larry is a Deacon at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church in West Chester, PA and was ordained in the first class of diaconates in the Baltimore Archdiocese in 1973. They moved to West Chester in 1974. Larry is retired but had a very successful career in the insurance industry starting with USF & G in 1957 culminating as Chairman of the American Institute in Malvern, PA. He retired in 2001 but has been active and serves on several boards. Dutchie, his wife of nearly 53 years raised 7 children and has supported Larry in so many ways. The beauty of all my interviews rests in understanding a person's foundation. Dutchie and Larry have lived thier lives according to their moral compass. In their lifetime, they have marched with the Berrigan brothers, started charities in their community, and have been leaders in the Catholic church.
I'm drawn to the Brandons because of their quiet compassion and moral strength. They walk with confidence and without airs. Larry is so soft spoken that you have to strain to hear his wonderful homilies. They have a rock solid belief system that resonates from within. I am most impressed with their love for each other and their family (including 21 grandchildren). Their faith and love have carried them on a wonderful journey.
Larry and Dutchie have set an example for their family and friends. There's a calmness that invokes confidence, a grace that produces wonderment, and a passion for life that transcends generations. They continue to set a wonderful example daily.
Today, my goals don't include writing a book. Perhaps one day I'll catch up to my wife Joan, who's written three. To honor those who took the time to sit with me two years ago, I will feature one person/couple a month in this blog. Though it's not a sports example, the profiles provide leadership examples. Specifically, each represents some formation of one of my core values-not just as a younger man, but throughout my life. Each of these folks has lived a wonderful life with many life lessons. Today, we start with the first couple I interviewed, Dutchie and Larry Brandon who have helped form and strengthen my core value of courage and have led by example throughout their lives.
Larry is a Deacon at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church in West Chester, PA and was ordained in the first class of diaconates in the Baltimore Archdiocese in 1973. They moved to West Chester in 1974. Larry is retired but had a very successful career in the insurance industry starting with USF & G in 1957 culminating as Chairman of the American Institute in Malvern, PA. He retired in 2001 but has been active and serves on several boards. Dutchie, his wife of nearly 53 years raised 7 children and has supported Larry in so many ways. The beauty of all my interviews rests in understanding a person's foundation. Dutchie and Larry have lived thier lives according to their moral compass. In their lifetime, they have marched with the Berrigan brothers, started charities in their community, and have been leaders in the Catholic church.
I'm drawn to the Brandons because of their quiet compassion and moral strength. They walk with confidence and without airs. Larry is so soft spoken that you have to strain to hear his wonderful homilies. They have a rock solid belief system that resonates from within. I am most impressed with their love for each other and their family (including 21 grandchildren). Their faith and love have carried them on a wonderful journey.
Larry and Dutchie have set an example for their family and friends. There's a calmness that invokes confidence, a grace that produces wonderment, and a passion for life that transcends generations. They continue to set a wonderful example daily.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
A Slippery Slope
This may seem a bit dated given all that has gone on in sports the last week. I want to take you back to the announcement of the new inductee to the Baseball Hall of Fame. As you may recall, the very good Andre Dawson made it in the regular voting.
I am a passionate baseball fan so bear with me while I make the argument that Andre Dawson is not deserving of the Hall. I believe that the Hall of Fame is for the exceptional, not the very good. I have watched baseball for 45 years and have seen some very good players. I have also seen or watched on TV a handful of exceptional players. Let me recount them in alphabetical order: Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, Johnny Bench, Wade Boggs, George Brett, Lou Brock, Rod Carew, Roberto Clemente, Steve Carlton, Bob Gibson, Tony Gwynn, Catfish Hunter, Al Kaline, Sandy Koufax, Reggie Jackson, Mickey Mantle, Juan Marichal, Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Paul Molitor, Joe Morgan, Eddie Murray, Jim Palmer, Tony Perez, Cal Ripken, Jr., Frank Robinson, Nolan Ryan, Mike Schmidt, Tom Seaver, Ozzie Smith, Willie Stargell, Carl Yastrzemski, and Robin Yount. This list is based on the best players I have seen in my lifetime. In 45 years, I believe there are 33 outstanding baseball players. A very elite list. Since 1970, 178 men have been elected to the Hall of Fame. Is it possible there's some dilution going on?
So what's the big deal. Here it is-as you add men who are good, they become the model and base for the future Hall of Fame voting. In the past, there were certain targets that if met, brought you into the Hall. Offensively, if you had more that 3,000 hit or over 500 home runs you were a lock. Pitchers who won 300 games also got in. These are automatic entries because it is so difficult to do. Unfortunately, a player like Andre Dawson doesn't match up. He had a .279 batting average, 438 home runs and 1,591 runs batted in. Now, the next guy who has similar numbers will have to be considered. Again, Dawson was a very, very good player but not exceptional. The Hall will continue to dilute and the exceptional will be crowded out by the very good.
How about your organization? Ever had to hire someone in a hurry to fill a position? You allow someone in your organization that "can do the job" but is not perfect for the job. You should only be hiring exceptional people. Once you dilute the hiring, all others interviewed are compared to the very good (or worse). What will eventually happen to your organization? It will move toward mediocrity rather than excellence. This will require more time supervising, mentoring, cajoling, documenting and ultimately firing. Not very productive from my standpoint.
Keep your standards high. Perform at your best and expect the same of others. It's a slippery slope once you go down the path of settling for less than the best.
I am a passionate baseball fan so bear with me while I make the argument that Andre Dawson is not deserving of the Hall. I believe that the Hall of Fame is for the exceptional, not the very good. I have watched baseball for 45 years and have seen some very good players. I have also seen or watched on TV a handful of exceptional players. Let me recount them in alphabetical order: Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, Johnny Bench, Wade Boggs, George Brett, Lou Brock, Rod Carew, Roberto Clemente, Steve Carlton, Bob Gibson, Tony Gwynn, Catfish Hunter, Al Kaline, Sandy Koufax, Reggie Jackson, Mickey Mantle, Juan Marichal, Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Paul Molitor, Joe Morgan, Eddie Murray, Jim Palmer, Tony Perez, Cal Ripken, Jr., Frank Robinson, Nolan Ryan, Mike Schmidt, Tom Seaver, Ozzie Smith, Willie Stargell, Carl Yastrzemski, and Robin Yount. This list is based on the best players I have seen in my lifetime. In 45 years, I believe there are 33 outstanding baseball players. A very elite list. Since 1970, 178 men have been elected to the Hall of Fame. Is it possible there's some dilution going on?
So what's the big deal. Here it is-as you add men who are good, they become the model and base for the future Hall of Fame voting. In the past, there were certain targets that if met, brought you into the Hall. Offensively, if you had more that 3,000 hit or over 500 home runs you were a lock. Pitchers who won 300 games also got in. These are automatic entries because it is so difficult to do. Unfortunately, a player like Andre Dawson doesn't match up. He had a .279 batting average, 438 home runs and 1,591 runs batted in. Now, the next guy who has similar numbers will have to be considered. Again, Dawson was a very, very good player but not exceptional. The Hall will continue to dilute and the exceptional will be crowded out by the very good.
How about your organization? Ever had to hire someone in a hurry to fill a position? You allow someone in your organization that "can do the job" but is not perfect for the job. You should only be hiring exceptional people. Once you dilute the hiring, all others interviewed are compared to the very good (or worse). What will eventually happen to your organization? It will move toward mediocrity rather than excellence. This will require more time supervising, mentoring, cajoling, documenting and ultimately firing. Not very productive from my standpoint.
Keep your standards high. Perform at your best and expect the same of others. It's a slippery slope once you go down the path of settling for less than the best.
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